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Speedy ship named for Maine towns being christened

The Navy christened a high-speed vessel named for the northern Maine towns of Millinocket and East Millinocket.

The USNS Millinocket was christened Saturday morning during a ceremony in Mobile, Ala.

Vice Adm. William Burke, deputy chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems, delivered the ceremony's principal address. Karen Mills, who's served as administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, is the ship's sponsor.

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said naming the high-speed vessel after East Millinocket and Millinocket honors the contributions and support to the military made by the men and women from those mill towns.

The 338-foot-long aluminum catamaran was built by Austal USA in Alabama. The design is ideal for fast, intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles, supplies and equipment.

U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King released a joint statement about the christening. They said in part:

"Today's christening is a proud moment for the State of Maine and particularly for the towns of Millinocket and East Millinocket," said Sen. King. "Not only is it a remarkable gesture, but it's also an outstanding tribute to the sacrifice of Maine's communities and the valor of our servicemen and women in defending our country. It's an honor to know that a Navy ship will now again patrol the world's seas bearing the name of a community whose strength is emblematic of our great state."

"You will find the connection forged today with the residents of Millinocket will be strong, and I am pleased that this Joint High Speed Vessel will carry on Maine's proud maritime legacy. Mainers take care of their own, and the USNS Millinocket is part of our family," said Sen. Collins.

Copyright 2013 by WMTW.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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